During the economic downturn, for the most part, we've seen people put aside partisan politics and try to work in the national interest, although there have been some bumps along the road. I served with Mr. McGuinty for 10 and a half years. I was an aggressive critic. When I had that responsibility, I used to sit directly opposite the minister I now work with. I think we can put politics aside and do what's best for the people.
It's not unknown to Ms. Foote or others on the committee that we have not always had a perfect working relationship with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. But we've been able to that aside and do what's best for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. We've also been able to work with a Liberal governments in British Columbia and New Brunswick.
I've even noticed, in particular in my own province of Ontario, federal and provincial members who weren't on the best of terms beginning to work well together, whether it's in central Ontario, eastern Ontario, or southwestern Ontario. I think that speaks well for the political system.
I think the public wants to see everyone on the same page. They want to see everyone in the same boat with an oar in the water, rowing together. If we work together, we can do three times as much for the economy in job creation and infrastructure investments. Still, leadership does come from the top, and I think in the province of Ontario the Prime Minister and Premier McGuinty have provided that leadership.